30 Best Places to visit in Peru

The Sacred Valley & Cusco: Heart of the Inca Empire

This region forms the core of most itineraries in Peru. It is essential to plan for proper altitude acclimatization upon arrival. Spending your first few days in either Cusco or the lower-elevation Sacred Valley before undertaking strenuous hikes or activities is crucial for your comfort and safety.

1. Machu Picchu

Why it’s essential: This is the legendary “Lost City of the Incas” and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. For the majority of travelers, it represents the primary highlight of their journey to Peru.

What to expect: A remarkable citadel of masterfully crafted stone temples, agricultural terraces, and residential plazas, all set against a dramatic backdrop of steep, verdant mountains. The setting and scale are truly breathtaking.

Traveler’s Tip: Entry is managed through several designated circuits, each offering a different perspective of the site. We recommend booking your tickets and train or trek arrangements at least two to three months in advance, as capacity is limited. The most common ways to arrive are via a scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo or by completing a multi-day trek, such as the Inca Trail.

2. Cusco

Why it’s essential: As the historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco serves as the primary and most convenient hub for exploring the entire region.

What to expect: A vibrant and captivating city where Inca and Spanish colonial histories converge. You will find charming cobblestone streets, a magnificent central square (Plaza de Armas), the artisanal neighborhood of San Blas, and a wealth of well-preserved architecture.

3. Ollantaytambo

Why it’s essential: A unique and impressively preserved living Inca town, distinguished by its massive fortress-temple complex that looms over the village.

What to expect: The opportunity to climb steep stone terraces for incredible views of the valley, a charming village with original Inca water channels still functioning, and a lively market. It is also the location of the main train station for departures to Machu Picchu.

4. Pisac

Why it’s essential: The site is known for two key attractions: one of the most impressive Inca ruins in the valley and a world-famous traditional market in the town below.

What to expect: The archaeological site features sprawling agricultural terraces carved into the mountain and a beautifully preserved Inca citadel at the summit. The town hosts a colorful market, which is at its largest and most vibrant on Sundays.

5. Moray

Why it’s essential: A visually striking and unique archaeological site that offers insight into Inca agricultural innovation.

What to expect: A series of deep, concentric circular terraces that descend into the earth. It is widely believed that this was an Inca agricultural laboratory used to test different crops at varying temperatures and altitudes.

6. Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras)

Why it’s essential: A surreal and photogenic landscape composed of thousands of salt-evaporation ponds that have been in continuous use since pre-Inca times.

What to expect: A spectacular patchwork of white and earthen-toned pools that cascade down a steep mountainside, fed by a subterranean spring. The visual effect is quite remarkable.

7. Sacsayhuamán

Why it’s essential: A colossal Inca fortress-temple complex on the hills overlooking Cusco, showcasing some of the most impressive and large-scale stonework of the entire empire.

What to expect: Enormous, perfectly fitted polygonal stone walls that stand as a testament to advanced ancient engineering. It is an easy and rewarding half-day trip from the city center.

8. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Why it’s essential: A geological wonder celebrated for its vibrant, mineral-striped slopes that create a rainbow-like effect.

What to expect: A very challenging day-hike at high altitude (over 5,000 meters / 16,400 feet). The physical exertion is rewarded with otherworldly views of the mountain and surrounding Andean peaks.

Traveler’s Tip: This trek is physically demanding and requires proper acclimatization. Please assess your fitness level carefully. For a similar visual experience with a less strenuous hike and typically smaller crowds, consider the alternative destination of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.

9. Humantay Lake

Why it’s essential: A jewel-toned glacial lake that presents one of the most beautiful and sought-after photo opportunities in the Andes.

What to expect: A moderately strenuous uphill hike that culminates at a breathtaking turquoise lagoon. The lake rests at the foot of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain, creating a spectacular scene.

Coastal Peru: Deserts, History, and a Culinary Capital

This section explores the diverse Pacific coast, from the modern, sophisticated capital city to the ancient mysteries etched into the southern deserts. It offers a distinct contrast to the Andean highlands.

10. Lima

Why it’s essential: Peru’s vibrant capital is not just a travel hub but also a globally celebrated culinary destination, home to some of the world’s best restaurants.

What to expect: Explore the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre with its grand colonial architecture, the bohemian Barranco district filled with art galleries and cafes, and the upscale Miraflores district, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

11. Huacachina

Why it’s essential: A picturesque desert oasis that has become a popular center for adventure sports and recreation.

What to expect: A small, tranquil lagoon surrounded by palm trees and enclosed by massive sand dunes. The primary activities here are thrilling dune buggy rides across the desert landscape and sandboarding down the steep dunes.

12. Nazca Lines

Why it’s essential: One of archaeology’s greatest enigmas, these enormous geoglyphs, created by the Nazca culture, are etched into the desert floor and are best appreciated from above.

What to expect: The most effective way to view the famous figures (such as the hummingbird, spider, and astronaut) is by taking a small scenic flight. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, a viewing tower offers a limited but still interesting perspective of a few designs.

13. Paracas National Reserve & Ballestas Islands

Why it’s essential: A protected area that marks a stunning intersection of desert and ocean, serving as a crucial sanctuary for a rich variety of marine life.

What to expect: A boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often called “the poor man’s Galápagos,” provides close-up views of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of marine birds. The reserve itself features dramatic coastal cliffs, expansive desert, and unique red-sand beaches.

The Peruvian Amazon: Unparalleled Biodiversity

Peru offers several gateways to the Amazon basin. Your choice depends on your interests and time. Puerto Maldonado provides more accessible, lodge-based experiences in the southern Amazon, while Iquitos is the entry point to the remote northern Amazon and the mighty Amazon River itself.

14. Tambopata National Reserve (via Puerto Maldonado)

Why it’s essential: An accessible yet incredibly biodiverse section of the Amazon rainforest, ideal for those seeking a deep jungle experience without extensive travel time.

What to expect: Stays at comfortable jungle lodges, guided nature hikes, river excursions to spot wildlife like capybaras, monkeys, and caimans, and visits to macaw clay licks, where hundreds of colorful birds gather.

15. Iquitos & the Amazon River

Why it’s essential: The gateway to the vast northern Amazon, offering the distinct experience of traveling on the mighty Amazon River.

What to expect: A bustling and unique jungle city that is accessible only by air or river. It serves as the primary starting point for multi-day river cruises and expeditions to visit remote indigenous communities and explore flooded forests.

16. Manu National Park

Why it’s essential: A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for being one of the most pristine and protected areas of the Amazon basin, boasting extraordinary levels of biodiversity.

What to expect: This destination is for serious nature enthusiasts. It requires an immersive, multi-day expedition that offers unparalleled opportunities to see rare and elusive wildlife, including giant river otters, jaguars, and a vast array of bird species.

The Andean Highlands: Beyond the Sacred Valley

This section highlights other significant destinations in the high-altitude regions of Peru, offering cultural, historical, and natural experiences that extend beyond the well-trodden path between Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.